Biopsychology (Unit 2) Flashcards
Illustrate the diagram depicting divisions of the Nervous System
just bloody draw it cheers mate its good practice yknow how these things go
Name the two divisions of the Nervous System
Peripheral NS
and
Central NS
Name the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
Autonomic NS
and
Somatic NS
Name the two divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic NS
and
Parasympathetic NS
Name the two divisions of the Central Nervous System
Spinal Cord
and
Brain
What is the function of the Cerebellum?
The cerebellum is involved in controlling motor skills and balance. Also in coordinating the muscles
What is the function of the Hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, thirst and hunger. Also controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland
What is the function of the Brain Stem?
The brain stem regulates automatic functions (e.g. breathing, swallowing, your heartbeat)
Describe and define the role of the Nucleus part of a neuron
Contains genetic material in the form of chromosomes
Describe and define the role of the Dendrites part of a neuron
They receive messages from other cells (neurons and sensory receptors) and are covered with synaptic receptor cells
Describe and define the role of the Axon part of a neuron
The main conductor within the neuron. Capable of conveying electrical signals over distances
Describe and define the role of the Cell Body/Soma part of a neuron
The biggest part, which contains the nucleus and is connected to the dendrites
Describe and define the role of the Terminal Buttons part of a neuron
Small knobs t the end of an axon that release neurotransmitters
Describe and define the role of the Action Potential part of a neuron
- When chemicals contact with the surface of a neuron, the ion balance changes
- When the imbalance becomes extreme, the effect runs through the cell membrane to the axon
-The Action Potential is this rapid moving of ions
Outline the function of a SENSORY NEURON
- Sensory neurons tell the rest of the brain about the external and internal environment by processing information taken from the senses
- Can be found in various places (e.g. ears, tongue, skin)
- They convert information from sensory receptors into neural impulses, and then into sensations
- Unipolar; only transmits from the body to the brain
Outline the function of a RELAY NEURON
- Relay neurons carry messages from one part of the CNS to another
- They connect motor and sensory neurons
- Only exist in the brain and spinal chord
- Multipolar; sends and receives messages from many sources
Outline the function of a MOTOR NEURON
- Motor neurons carry signals from the CNS which helps organ, gland and muscle function
- They form synapses with muscles, and control their contractions
- When stimulated, the motor neuron releases neurotransmitters which bind to the receptors on the muscle and trigger a response
- Multipolar; capable of sending and receiving messages
Define and describe a synapse/synaptic gap
The area between the axon of a neuron and the cell body of another
Define ‘neurotransmitter’ and give some examples
Chemical messengers within the cerebrum
e.g. dopamine or serotonin
List the key components of a synaptic transmission
- Nerve Impulse
- Presynaptic Neuron
- Axon
- Vesicles
- Synaptic Gap-Neurotransmitters
- Receptors
- Postsynaptic Neuron
- Dendrite
Define ‘Excitatory’ and ‘Inhibitory’ neurotransmitters and give examples
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire (e.g. noradrenaline)
Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire (e.g. serotonin and GABA)
Describe and define the role of the Pituitary gland as part of the endrocrine system
Controls other glands and makes the hormones that trigger growth
Describe and define the role of the Thyroid as part of the endrocrine system
Produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate
Describe and define the role of the Parathyroid as part of the endrocrine system
Controls the amount of calcium in the body
Describe and define the role of the Adrenal gland as part of the endrocrine system
Produces the hormones which control the sex drive and cortisol (the stress hormone)
Describe and define the role of the Pancreas as part of the endrocrine system
Produces Insulin which helps control blood sugar levels
Describe and define the role of the Ovary as part of the endrocrine system
Secretes Oestrogen, Testosterone and Progesterone
Describe and define the role of the Testicles as part of the endrocrine system
Produces Testosterone and sperm
Outline the process of the ‘fight or flight’ response
Hypothalamus
I
Synthetic Branch of Autonomic NS
I
Adrenal Medulla
I
Adrenaline/Noradrenaline
(Parasympathetic NS reverses this, returning heart rate and blood pressure to normal and speeding up digestion)
Evaluation of the Fight or Flight response
Pros:
-Scientific and measures used are objective
Cons:
- Tend and Befriend; females may be less aggressive
- Acute stress may lead to cooperative and friendly behaviour
- Reductionist; only biological explanation
What is the function of the Peripheral NS?
Conducts transmissions to and from the CNS
What is the function of the Somatic NS?
- Transmits to and from the senses
- Transmits to and from the CNS
What is the function of the Autonomic NS?
Transmits to and from organs to sustain life processes
What is the function of the Central NS?
Controls all life functions and mental processes
What is the function of the Sympathetic NS and the Parasympathetic NS?
Sympathetic; generally increases bodily activity
Parasympathetic; maintains or decreases bodily activity
What is the function of the Spinal Cord as part of the CNS?
Receives and transmits information to and from the Brain
What is the function of the Brain as part of the CNS?
Sustains life and conducts psychological processes
